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Unionists' envy over republic's 'better' roads

THE end of bumpy roads used to signal the crossing of the border from the republic onto Northern Ireland’s superior highways — not any more.

Unionist politicians are complaining that the road networks in border areas such as Fermanagh and South Tyrone have hugely deteriorated, while southern counties such as Donegal and Cavan enjoyed enormous investment programmes.

“I am envious of Donegal when I see the road infrastructure they have been able to create,” said Maurice Morrow, a DUP MLA. “It has a far superior infrastructure to Tyrone and Fermanagh. We have fallen behind and I think the government is culpable here and it has to take stock and see why.”

Using EU structural funds, the National Roads Authority (NRA) has improved southern border roads and built bypasses around several towns. A 10.5km bypass of Bundoran and Ballyshannon recently opened, including a spectacular 100m bridge over the river Erne. It will